For breathtaking views of Funchal, look no further than Pico do Arieiro. At 1,818 metres high, it is Madeira's third-highest peak. Hikers can expect a stunning panorama of the island and a dramatic view of the clouds rolling below their feet. On clear days, the neighbouring island of Porto Santo can be seen to the northeast. Put on your hiking boots and climb up the summit, or simply go by car.

Ghent is a paradise for veggie lovers. Since, proportionally, our city has more vegetarian restaurants than say Paris or London, we can call ourselves the veggie capital of Europe. A title we should be proud of! Discover our veggie restaurants.

A weekend trip to Ghent is simply not complete without a visit to the mysterious ‘Castle of the Counts’. This important sight in Ghent is a castle with a very turbulent past, closely intertwined with the complex—often stormy—political and social history of the city. It is the only remaining mediaeval castle with a moat and largely intact defence system in Flanders. Your visit to the Castle of the Counts will give you a complete picture of heraldic culture in the 12th century. The gatehouse, ramparts, keep, count’s residence and stables are open to visitors. Be sure to go up the long spiral staircase to the museum of torture devices on the top floor of the Castle of the Counts. Here, you will find a unique collection of instruments for torture and coercion, as well as a collection of weapons. The Castle of the Counts also hosts all kinds of cultural activities, events and activities, for example during the Ghent Festivities. It is also a popular place to get married for Ghent’s locals. Let’s not forget the time the Castle of the Counts was occupied by protesting students in 1949! Explore the castle during your weekend trip in Ghent and find out all about the ‘Battle of the Castle of the Counts’. The keep, symbol of the Counts’ power Go back in time inside this majestic fortress. Its history goes back to the time of the Roman occupation, when there was already a settlement on a sand bank by the River Lys. After a brief period of Viking plundering, the Counts of Flanders converted the earlier wooden constructions into a keep (living quarters) in the Middle Ages, with ramparts built entirely of stone, replete with 24 towers. The imposing building with its military architecture was a symbol of the Counts’ power in the turbulent city of Ghent. Do you want to dig deep into the history of Ghent? This is where you need to be. Ghent, full of charming history and modern vibrancy.

The Central Textile Museum was established in 1960 and is housed in the amazing 19th-century White Factory. It contains a unique collection of textile tools and machinery, fabrics and clothing and the largest collection of tapestries in Europe.